A New Path Begins
Zero exhaled, glancing down at his worn-out uniform. The faded logo of a small delivery company was barely visible on his chest.
For years, he had scraped by, delivering food to survive.
That life was over.
He had power now.
And the first step to wielding it was obtaining a Hunter License.
With it, he could legally enter dungeons, hunt beasts, and grow stronger. Without it, he was just another civilian—powerless and restricted.
No more.
Zero turned on his heels and strode toward the towering Hunter Association Headquarters in the heart of the city.
The skyscraper loomed over him, its sleek black walls reflecting the neon lights of bustling traffic. A massive holographic display flickered above the entrance, showcasing an S-Rank Hunter slaying a dragon-like beast in midair.
Hunters were celebrities, warriors, and rulers of this world.
Zero clenched his fists.
One day, his face would be up there too.
But first—he needed that license.
Entering the Association
As he stepped inside, the grand hall of the Hunter Association spread before him.
Massive marble floors stretched across the lobby, polished so well they reflected the towering statues of legendary Hunters lining the walls. Hunters of all ranks bustled around—some clad in battle-scarred armor, others in sleek suits, negotiating contracts and dungeon raids.
Zero approached the registration counter, where a receptionist greeted him with a professional smile.
"Welcome to the Hunter Association," she said. "How may I assist you?"
Zero met her gaze, his voice steady.
"Miss, I would like to apply for a Hunter License."
The receptionist nodded, tapping on her holo-screen. "Understood, sir. Please place your hand on this elemental crystal so we can verify whether you are an Awakener."
Zero's heart skipped a beat.
The elemental crystal.
It was a device used to identify an individual's elemental affinity. Every Awakener in the world possessed an affinity toward one of the common elements—Fire, Water, Earth, Air, Lightning, or Ice.
But Dark Element?
No one had ever possessed it.
Zero's fingers trembled slightly.
What if the crystal exposed him?
Would the Association detain him? Would he be branded a monster?
No—he had come too far to stop now.
Swallowing his fear, he placed his hand on the crystal.
It pulsed with a faint glow.
The receptionist observed the device, then smiled. "Congratulations, sir. You are indeed an Awakener."
Zero barely suppressed a sigh of relief.
The crystal had reacted, but it hadn't revealed his element.
"Can you tell us what type of element you use?" the receptionist asked.
Zero hesitated.
If he told the truth, his life could be in danger.
No records existed of anyone using Dark Element. People feared the unknown. If word spread, he could be hunted, captured, or worse.
He had to lie.
"Miss, I have Fire Elemental Power," he said smoothly.
The receptionist nodded, unfazed. "Fire, huh? A very common element. That makes things easy."
She tapped a few more buttons.
"Please pay 100 dollors, and your Hunter License will be issued."
Zero reached into his pocket, pulling out the last of his savings. A hundred dollors was no small sum for an F-rank nobody like him, but it was worth it.
He handed over the cash.
Within seconds, the receptionist slid a small black card across the counter.
[Hunter License Issued]
Name: Zero
Rank: F-Rank
Element: Fire (Registered)
Status: Active
Zero stared at the card in his hands.
It was small—just a simple identification card—but it represented a new life.
With this, he could now enter dungeons, take on hunting contracts, and truly begin his path to power.
This was only the beginning.
And he would rise.
End of Chapter 3